Nurses at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River were celebrated during Nursing Week, May 6-12. Instead of a traditional cake cutting, each nurse was presented an individual sweet to promote physical distancing during the pandemic.

Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River celebrates Nurse’s Week

Nurses at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River were celebrated during Nursing Week, May 6-12. Instead of a traditional cake cutting, each nurse was presented an individual sweet to promote physical distancing during the pandemic.

Nurse’s Week, May 6-12, was a time to recognize the contributions of nurses across the country. This year, despite the current pandemic, Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River (NHCPR) was able to continue the annual tradition of celebrating Nurse’s Week.

The theme was “2020 Year of the Nurse,” and the festivities kicked-off on National Nurse’s Day, May 6. Staff members were challenged throughout the week with crossword puzzles and word searches, affording an opportunity to become more familiar with nurses at the command. The week continued with a virtual Blessing of the Hands by NAS Patuxent River Chaplain Lt. Clay Hamrick, a crazy mask contest, and an opportunity to thank a nurse.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a skilled group of nurses,” said Chief Nursing Officer Capt. Nancy Wilson, offering her admiration for her team. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare, and our team is comprised of a remarkable group of individuals committed to optimal care.”

The end of Nurse’s Week on May 12 coincided with the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern day nursing for her promotion of evidence based practice and innovation in the nursing field. However, the week officially came to a close May 13 with the celebration of the Navy Nurse Corps’ 112th birthday. Instead of the traditional cake cutting, the nurses were presented individual Bundt cakes to support social distancing.

The nurses at NHCPR provide a leading role in the Military Health System. Military and civilian nurses care for those in uniform to ensure operational readiness. Additionally, all non-active duty will have access to care that is safe and reliable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our nurses have been selflessly on the frontlines providing triage, testing, and education for service members and their families. Together, the nurses at NHCPR and its branch clinics have a combined 617 years of experience through various backgrounds. Nurses are celebrated for a week, but their compassion and dedication to their patients is practiced throughout the year.

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